Earth Sciences

Undergraduate Studies
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Welcome
I am delighted that you are
considering studying Earth Sciences
with us. We are one of the leading
centres of research and teaching
in the UK, and our knowledge
and expertise in earth and
environmental sciences is making an
impact across the globe.
This is a friendly and supportive

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department where you will be th
welcomed, supported and valued as a member of our
close-knit community. Our world-leading academic staff will 100%
inspire and challenge you, bringing you closer to some of the
foremost thinking in geoscience research. You will also gain
in UK Earth research environment is
fieldwork experience at exciting and stimulating field sites in
Sciences departments rated world-leading or
the UK and Europe. internationally excellent
(The Guardian University Guide, 2024)
As well as our leading research, our curriculum is also informed (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
by well-established industry connections and you can be
confident that here you can acquire the knowledge, practical Contact details
and technical skills that will lead you to a rewarding career. Admissions enquiries Connect with us
Professor David Waltham
We look forward to meeting you at one of our Open Days @RHULearthsci
admissions@es.rhul.ac.uk
held throughout the year. RHULEarth Sci
Department of Earth Sciences
Royal Holloway, royalholloway.ac.uk/earthsciences
Dr Kevin C Clemitshaw
Head of Department University of London
Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK

2 Front cover – Chevron folding, Millook Haven, North Cornwall by Kevin D’Souza
Earth Sciences at Royal Holloway
The Department of Earth Sciences is internationally recognised for Xxxxx xxxx
excellent teaching and research that is at the forefront of investigating
the earth system and environmental science. We recognise the
importance of sustainable Geosciences and the need for graduates
who are leaders of the movement to understand climate change and to
support the energy transition. We maintain vital links with industrial and
commercial partners providing research support, industry experience and
employment for our graduates.
Staff are leading authorities in their field and, together with state-of-the-
art facilities, we provide our students with every opportunity to succeed in
their chosen career. We offer:
• an excellent teaching experience - in the recent National Student Survey
(2023) we achieved the highest scores nationally from our students in
key areas of their learning experience, including 100% of our students
agreeing staff are good at explaining things and courses are intellectually
stimulating.
• a curriculum informed by world-class research, ensuring our degree
programmes are up to-date with the latest developments and are taught
by leading experts in geoscience research.
• an extensive range of facilities, with world-leading laboratories for
geochemical analysis, sedimentology and palaeontology, and specialist
modelling laboratories for recreating earth structures.
• a high quality fieldwork programme bringing the syllabus to life, taking
you to some of the best geological locations in the UK and Europe.
• a friendly community with a personal adviser system and individual
supervision of projects, which means we really support our students.
• industrial links and networking opportunities with companies recruiting
for geoscience placements and jobs, resulting in one of the highest
graduate employment track records in the UK.

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Choosing your degree
You can choose from a wide range of degree courses with flexibility DEGREES UCAS
to inspire your interests across the spectrum of Earth Sciences, code
complemented by an exciting fieldwork programme to help bring the BSc Earth, Climate and Environmental Change F764
syllabus to life. Our compelling course curriculum is underpinned by our
MSci Earth, Climate and Environmental Change F767
cutting-edge research which means you will be in touch with the very
latest developments in our research areas of: BSc Geosciences and Sustainable Energy FH62

• Energy and Resources BSc Environmental Geology F630

• Dynamic Earth and Solar System BSc Environmental Geology with a Year in Industry F690

• Climate, Ocean and Atmosphere BSc Geology F600

Our degrees are accredited by the Geological Society which sets the BSc Geology with a Year in Industry F603
highest standards in field and laboratory teaching and can lead to
BSc Geology with Integrated Foundation Year F60F
Chartered Geologist status.
MSci Environmental Geoscience F631
Undergraduate study
We offer 3 or 4 year degree courses in Geoscience, Geology and MSci Environmental Geoscience with a Year in Industry F644
Environmental Geology, giving a thorough grounding in all aspects of modern MSci Environmental Geoscience with an International Year* FP42
Earth Sciences. Our BSc/MSci Earth, Climate and Environmental Change and
BSc Geosciences and Sustainable Energy degrees are designed to prepare MSci Geoscience F601
graduates for careers opportunities supporting society in tackling climate MSci Geoscience with a Year in Industry F642
change and the zero-carbon energy transition.
MSci Geoscience with a Year of International Study* F602
Our extended 4 year MSci degrees will equip you with a deeper knowledge
and advanced skills suitable for continuing into the worlds of academic BSc Environment and Social Change** F660
or applied geosciences. You can also choose to expand your horizons
* International Year option: As part of MSci courses FP42 and F602, students
through an International year or an Industrial year option, placing you in
can elect to spend a year abroad (Canada, USA, Australia or New Zealand).
new and challenging learning environments and cultures.
For details of current module options, and our entry requirements please
see our website.
No previous qualifications in geology are required to join our
undergraduate degrees.

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Studying here
Our teaching programme emphasises the interconnectedness of the Earth
System. First and second year core courses consider the Earth as a dynamic
system, the interaction between physical and chemical processes acting
at and below the surface, the environment and the evolution of life. In the
final year(s), you will go on to deepen your knowledge by choosing from a
range of multidisciplinary options that reflect the research strengths and
interests of staff as you develop your interests.
Independent project work and fieldwork form a large part of our degree
courses. Our lectures primarily define the learning agenda, and knowledge
and understanding are supplemented through independent reading and
research. There is a strong practical element and you will develop key skills
through exercises in the classroom, laboratory and field.
Fieldwork opportunities
Fieldwork is an important part of a geologist’s training and it will equip you
with knowledge and skills that can be used internationally. Our fieldwork
provides training in the field interpretation of stratigraphy, sedimentology,
tectonics and igneous processes. Mapping courses include a number of
small projects and a major field mapping exercise in the second year.
The department organises a variety of trips, both in the UK and abroad,
lasting from one day to several weeks.

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UK trips have included: Mull, Skye, North Somerset, Lake District,
and South Devon.
th
International trips have included: Almeria Spain, Cyprus, Digne France, 100%
Florida USA, Pyrenees Spain, Tenerife, and Iceland.
Supportive learning
We are an extremely friendly and supportive community. The whole
in the UK for students say staff are
department has a strong culture of support for students, with an student satisfaction good at explaining things
allocated personal tutor system to help guide you in your studies. (The Complete University Guide, 2024) (National Student Survey 2023)

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Student Life
Sir Charles Lyell (1797–1875), was one of the founders of modern geology
and The Lyell Geoscience Society is named in his honour. The society is
run by students and it coordinates a number of events throughout the
academic year. These include guest lectures during term time on a wide
range of cutting edge topics, culminating in the annual Lyell Symposium
during which talks are given by internationally-recognised specialists from
industry as well as visiting academics. The student-organised social events
maintain a friendly, social atmosphere between students of all years and
members of staff.
“The sense of camaraderie between staff and students is
infectious, with the work being both challenging yet rewarding.
It has been a joy to study Earth Sciences at Royal Holloway
and I have made lasting friends and memories here.”
Robert
BSc Geology
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Our community
We admit around 45 undergraduate students every year, on a wide range
of degrees. We also have a dynamic community of postgraduate students
across our highly regarded Masters degrees, MPhil and PhD research
opportunities. We are one of five universities involved in the Advanced
Research and Innovation in Environmental Science (ARIES) Doctoral
Training Partnership, which recently received over £5million from the
Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC) to equip postgraduate
researchers with the necessary skills to become leaders in the science and
business of the environment for the 21st century.
Our department has been highly rated for the originality, significance
and rigour of our research. In fact, 88% of our research output has been
classified as world-leading and internationally excellent (REF, 2021),
consistent with our history as one of the leading centres for Earth Science
research in the UK.
The department has a vast array of specialist equipment supporting
teaching and research into atmospheric sciences, geochemistry,
geophysics, mineralisation, magmatism, sedimentology, stratigraphy,
structural geology, palaeobiology, and volcanology. Our department is part
of the School of Life Sciences and the Environment, an integrated and
well-supported community of students and staff.
Your future career
Geoscientists have vital roles to play in sustainable energy, addressing
global problems like climate change and waste disposal, or exploration
for raw materials - water, minerals, oil and gas. We recognise the need for
graduates who can work on solutions for the environment and support
the energy transition.
Our graduates are highly employable and have gone on to work in a wide
variety of areas, such as fossil and renewable energy industries, water
authorities, environmental agencies, media organisations and consultancy.
Many also go on to postgraduate study. Graduate employers include BAM,
Gold Fields Ltd, Natural History Museum and Azinam.
“Studying Geology at
Royal Holloway launched
The department and Royal Holloway’s Careers Service support you
in a range of ways to recognise and develop your own strengths, skills
and abilities and to plan ahead for your future career. You will also
benefit from:
• Industry representatives regularly make recruitment visits to the
department, providing opportunities for current students in the job
market.
• Many of our students undertake internships which helps prepare
them to move into the career of their choice.
• We maintain strong links with our alumni, who are able to provide
advice, contacts and networking opportunities for students. These
have resulted in relevant paid internships, and have been pivotal in
launching the careers of our students.

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my career and was the
best time of my life. Since
graduating, I’ve become a
th
Geotechnical Engineer, taking
me all over the UK. I’ve been
in the UK for
involved in a range of projects graduate prospects
including constructing
tunnels for London’s Crossrail (The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2023)
Project, repairing dams in Graduates in graduate employment or further study within 15 months,
Snowdonia, and remediating old mine sites in Kent. Studying (Complete University Guide, 2024)
Geology at Royal Holloway was the start of all that – and the
course exceeded my expectations in every way!”
This brochure was produced in October 2023 and information was correct at that time.
Helayna, BSc Geology
Please make sure you check our website or contact us directly for the very latest
information if you are considering an application.

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 Royal Holloway, University of London
• Learn from world leading experts
• Highly ranked for student satisfaction
• Beautiful campus in a safe location
• Vibrant and active community
• Award-winning careers service

Visit us to find out more

Our Open Days are a great way to get a feel
for life at Royal Holloway. Look around the
campus, meet our students and staff, and find
out more about studying and living here.
Find out more and register to attend at
Royalholloway.ac.uk/opendays
9078 10/23

Royal Holloway, University of London

Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX
+44 (0)1784 434455
royalholloway.ac.uk